The legendary Leica M3 & Summicron 5cm f2

Krzys

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Lets discuss this combo since my M3 (purchased from a user here) is being fixed by Youxin and my type II 50 f2 cron will soon be here from America. I am getting psyched and want to see anything related.

Photos of/from the camera & lens, opinions, anything! Seeing a seriously used and scuffed up chrome M3 (not a Black Paint leica...I see brassed ones too often) would be a treat.

Will be shooting Tri-x and souping Hc-110. It should be interesting...
 
Not a type II, but a type 1 collapsible, but still.

Camera still looks very good in this picture, was just out of CLA. More brass visible now :)



Maybe I'll post a more recent picture tonight.
 
This is what I have:


... and this is a tiny sample of what it does:






Once one removes the infinity lock, it's a wonderful combination.
 
If I would get rid of all my stuff, except one body and one lens,
this is very likely what I would pick.

It doesn't get much better than M3 + rigid or DR .....

Roland.
 
2hmfoeg.jpg


My user M3/rigid 50 f2 'cron.

20uop4n.jpg

Neopan 400/Diafine EI640
 
Type 2 Rigid Summicron on the M3, wide-open.

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And a Collapsible 9cm f4 Elmar on the M3, wide-open.

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what most impresses me about the Elmar: note the sailor's eyes are not lost in the shadow of the cap.
 
My M3 with the DR Summicron, Tri-X. I love this combo, though I am yearning for a 35.
Vic
 

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If I would get rid of all my stuff, except one body and one lens,
this is very likely what I would pick.

It doesn't get much better than M3 + rigid or DR .....

Roland.

If there is one set for me, then it is the M3 + Summicron rigid. I have never used a DR, so I cannot comment on it.
 
The new M's

The new M's

“The other issue with cards has always occurred because of a weak battery . Situations that can put a load on the battery would be (1)continuos shooting (2)cold weather or (3)leaving the camera on during a long shoot…”

“M9 is very choosy when it comes to the brands of SDHC cards…”

“Do check the Firmware version of the camera if it's the latest!”

---- Quotes from an active thread

Sometimes I’ve lusted after the M9. But when I read posts like these….!
I mean, reliable operation under adverse conditions (cold, unavailability of stores selling exotic batteries or computer memory cards, etc.) … these have always been the forte of the Leica M as we’ve known it!
 
If I would get rid of all my stuff, except one body and one lens,
this is very likely what I would pick.

It doesn't get much better than M3 + rigid or DR .....

Roland.

Roland,
You have spoken also for me.
This particular combo has the soul of Leica Photography.
It embodies all the good qualities the rest aim at.
 
After the rigid Summicron came out, it was certainly the best lens to go with an M3. Press photographers, though, usually preferred the Summarit because of its speed. I'm speaking of the mid-1950s.
 
The M3 and Summicron is my absolute favorite combo. Though the M2 and Rokkor 40 are trying to usurp its throne in my camera kingdom.
 
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